By Lori Randall

SEATTLE, Wash. – (May 31, 2005) – A joyous weekend of non-stop wine-related events, tastings, dinners, picnics, a golf tournament and Gala Auction are on the calendar June 24 and 25 as part of the newly named Wine Country Celebration & Grand Gala.

The stellar lineup involves Seattle Chefs Bobby Moore of Barking Frog at the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Christine Keff of Flying Fish, Mauro Golmarvi of Assaggio Ristorante, Bruce Ross of Columbia Tower Club, Jason Wilson of Crush and Brad Masset of Birchfield Manor; musical guests Al Stewart and jazz vocalist Marilyn Scott; and wineries and vineyards from Yakima to Walla Walla. Tickets to the events can be purchased singly, ranging from $45-$125, or in packages at www.winecountrycelebration.com.

Packages include:
· VIP Package, $1,200 per person: WAVE Tasting, Hedges Family Estate Vintner Dinner, Vineyard Chic Picnic at Columbia Crest and Grand Gala Wine Auction.

·The Weekender Package, $275 per person: Wine Country Golf Classic, WAVE Tasting, Vintner Appellation Dinner, and Picnic in the Vineyard.

· Walla Walla Package, $200 per person: WAVE Tasting, Northstar Tour, Tasting and Picnic, Three Rivers Winery special concert and dinner.

Here’s the complete calendar:
Friday, June 24

Wine Country Golf Classic
Columbia Point Golf Course, 225 Columbia Point Drive, Richland
First tee time is 9:30 a.m., $150 per person (includes admission to WAVE)

Local winemakers and golf enthusiasts team up for the Wine Country Golf Classic at Columbia Point golf course in Richland. The tournament includes lively competitions, lunch at the turn, an awards ceremony finale and admittance to the WAVE wine tasting – Washington Arriving Vintner’s Event, held at the Hedges Family Estate, Red Mountain.

WAVE (Washington’s Arriving Vintners Event)
Hedges Cellars, 53511 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
5:00 – 8:00 p.m., $45 per person

Held on Red Mountain at Hedges Family Estate, it’s the hipper-than-thou wine tasting of the year; drawing attention to emerging local vintners and offering the public a chance to discover the latest and greatest of what Washington has to offer. Over 15 vintners are participating, including Alexandria Nicole, Basel Cellars, Cave B, Dusted Valley, Saint Laurent, Vin du Lac and many more.

Vintners Appellation Dinners
Alexandria Nicole Cellars
717 Sixth Street, Prosser
7:30 – 10:30 p.m., $85 per person

Guest Chef Mauro Golmarvi of Assaggio Ristorante in Seattle joins talents with the winemakers of Alexandria Nicole Cellars in Prosser for an evening that is “very vino

Fidelitas & Cañon de Sol
46415 E. Badger Road, Benton City
7:30 – 10:30 p.m., $85 per person

Winemakers Charlie Hoppes and Victor Cruz will pair the “faithful, loyal and true” wines of Fidelitas and the handcrafted wines of Cañon de Sol with hot, regional flavors prepared by Chef Brad Masset of Birchfield Manor.

Hedges Estate Winery
53511 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
8:00 – 11:00 p.m., $125 per person

Tom and Anne Marie Hedges host an elegant evening of remarkable wine accompanied by the culinary musings of Seattle Chef Christine Keff of Flying Fish. An evening of pure perfection on Red Mountain!

Kestrel Vintners
2890 Lee Road, Prosser
7:30 – 10:30 p.m., $85 per person

Spend a high flying evening at the award winning Kestrel Vintners in Prosser where winemaker Flint Nelson hosts a perfectly paired dinner of amazing wines and wine-country fare prepared by Chef Bruce Ross of Seattle’s Columbia Tower Club.

Picnics in the Vineyard
Saturday, June 25

Columbia Crest Winery
SR 221, Columbia Crest Blvd, Paterson
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., $50 per person

Prior to Grand Gala, auction goers can enjoy a tour, tasting and lovely gourmet brunch at the world-renowned estate winery of Columbia Crest in Paterson, hosted by Doug Gore, Vice President of Winemaking.

Northstar
1736 JB George Road, Walla Walla
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., $50 per person

Northstar in Walla Walla is opening the doors to its beautiful estate winery for a tour, tasting and gourmet lunch on the patio. Walk in the vineyards, tour the winemaking facility and sample flavors straight from the barrel.

Picnic on Tulip Lane
Travel to Richland from Seattle on a luxury Gray Line motor coach with Victoria Clipper. Board coach in Seattle at 8:00 a.m., Picnic from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Seattle return 8:00 p.m.; $99 per person includes motor coach from Seattle and Clipper breakfast basket.

Winemakers from Barnard Griffin, J. Bookwalter and Tagaris Wineries will host a Mediterranean-style lunch and select wine tasting.

Vintners Appellation Dinners

Sheridan Vineyard Estate Winery
2980 Gilbert Road, Zillah
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $85 per person

Chef Jason Wilson from Seattle’s Madison Valley restaurant Crush will be pairing his “contemporary American European-influenced cuisine” with Sheridan Winemaker Scott Greer’s 100% estate grown wines.

Three Rivers Winery
5641 West Highway 12, Walla Walla
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $125 per person

Winemaker Holly Turner is hosting a special winemaker dinner that will include a gourmet 4-course meal prepared by Chef Clark Covey of The Homestead Restaurant in Walla Walla, followed by an exclusive meet and greet with Al Stewart prior to his concern on the lawn.

Grand Gala Wine Auction
5910 Scenic Drive, Yakima
5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., $1,000 per person (by invitation only)

A romantic, exclusive, star-studded evening at the heralded DeAtley Estate awaits both wine lovers and lovers alike. Celebrated chef Bobby Moore of the Barking Frog at Willow’s Lodge will pair each course with one of a kind, select bottlings of Washington wines known for their depth and finesse. A live auction follows, along with a performance by sultry jazz vocalist Marilyn Scott.

Washington Wine Country is a non-profit, 510c3, association of Eastern Washington businesses dedicated to building pride, recognition and economic vitality in the world-class wine-growing region comprising the Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley and Red Mountain appellations. www.winecountrywashington.org

For more information,
Randall Public Relations
Contact: Lori Randall
(206) 624-5757
lori@randallpr.com